Isolation and Characterization of Human Breast Cancer Cells with SOX2 Promoter Activity
Researchers developed a reporter system using fluorescent protein driven by the promoter for sex-determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2) gene to detect and isolate living SOX2-positive cells. Results suggest that the cell population with SOX2 promoter activity contains cancer stem cell (CSC)-like cells which show expression profiles different from those of CSC-marker genes previously recognized in human breast cancers. [Biochem Biophys Res Commun]
Abstract

Breast Cancer Clinical Trial Looks at Targeting Cancer Stem Cells
A major reason that breast cancer returns after treatment and spreads to other parts of the body is that current chemotherapy and radiation treatments do not kill the cancer stem cells. That premise provides the basis for a clinical trial open at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center and two other sites testing a drug that has been found in laboratory studies to attack cancer stem cells. The drug, reparixin, will be used in combination with standard chemotherapy. [University of Michigan Health System]
Press Release

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research Invests $52 Million in Translational Cancer Research
The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research is investing $52 million to support the development of new innovative approaches for the prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. The announcement was made by Ontario Minister of Research and Innovation Reza Moridi. This investment will focus on key areas of translational research that will have the greatest impact on patients, including cancer stem cells, drug discovery, genomics, informatics and pathology. [Ontario Institute for Cancer Research]
Press Release